How to Get a Flat Stomach

A pilates instructor teaches exercises to flatten the stomach

By Tatiana Novaes Coelho

Tone up your tum with these simple Pilates-based stomach exercises. Before starting, make sure you know the Pilates basics.

These exercises are undertaken at your own risk. Please speak to your doctor before undertaking exercise if you have any health problems. It is always best to exercise under the supervision of a qualified person.

Ab Curl

This is a good way to strengthen the abdominals. It will engage the muscles in the correct order and keep the trunk of your body correctly aligned.

Start position: semi-supine with hands behind your head and elbows slightly towards the ceiling. Breathe in to prepare.

As you breathe out, draw your navel towards your spine and lift your head and torso slightly off the floor, keeping the neck relaxed and the weight of your head in your hands. Think of bringing the breast bone towards your navel.